RGS Explore Weekend programme
Find out about the RGS Explore Weekend 2025 programme, including speakers, workshops, schedules, and locations. More details will be published as the event approaches.
Friday 31 October 2025
Afternoon programme to be confirmed.
7.00pm – Postcards from the field
Be inspired by the latest tales of discovery from recently returned explorers. This event is included in the price of a full weekend ticket.
Saturday 1 November 2025
Doors open 9.00am.
Morning and afternoon main stage talks take place in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre (OLT), including sessions on how to prepare for an expedition, engaging with local communities, raising funds, and keeping safe. Exhibitor areas and drop-in advice desks operate throughout the day.
10.00am – Welcome
10.10am – Opening address
10.20am-11.15am – Main stage talks
A range of inspiring stories from past Explore attendees, illuminating the diversity of geographical exploration in practice.
11.15am – Break and refreshments
Will you meet a future expedition partner in the coffee queue?
11.45am-12.45pm – Main stage talks
12.45pm – Lunch
Network with peers and experts, and meet the exhibitors.
1.15pm – Lunchtime workshops
2.15pm-3.15pm – Main stage talks
3.15pm – Break and refreshments
3.30pm – Expedition logistics and safety workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops covering challenging environments, field safety, and health and well-being.
5.00pm – Pitch your plans
Get expert feedback in this Dragon's Den-style pitching session!
5.30pm-7.00pm – Short film screenings
6.00pm – Explorers’ bar
9.00pm – (Optional) informal dinner at Wagamama (20-minute walk)
Sunday 1 November 2025
Doors open 9.00am for 9.30am start.
Morning and afternoon main stage lectures including the importance of purpose and legacy, designing an effective project, ethical and responsible practice, field research opportunities, and new technologies to assist in data gathering and media capture.
9.30am – Opening remarks
9.45am-11.00am – Main stage talks
11.00am – Break
11.30am-1.00pm – Field research and medical workshops
A choice of subject-specific workshops covering field research approaches, medical skills, and other purpose-driven activities.
1.00pm – Lunch
2.15pm-2.55pm – Break
3.15pm-4.30pm – Communication and storytelling workshops
A choice of specialist sessions exploring content creation and dissemination in the field and upon return.
4.30pm – Your priorities tomorrow
Event ends 5.00pm. Building closes at 7.00pm.
- Conference
Challenging maps and exploration symposium
Join us for a day of expert panels discussing the connections, historical and contemporary, between maps and exploration. Event sponsored by the Sunderland Collection.
London and onlineOpen to allThursday 30 October 2025 - Workshop
Inclusive fieldwork and expeditions seminar: race and disability
This seminar, facilitated by Equal Adventure, introduces the inclusion of disability and race in expeditions and fieldwork. It is designed for field leaders who want to develop a more inclusive approach to their expedition and fieldwork practice.
LondonOpen to allThursday 30 October 2025 - Short talks
Welcome home: postcards from the field
Short talks from recently returned expeditions and field research projects – hear what they did and the lessons they learned. Followed by a chance to meet, connect, and celebrate their work.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)Open to allFriday 31 October 2025
Stay updated on the RGS Explore Weekend and more
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Speakers
Meet the expert speakers and facilitators who have generously shared tales, insights and advice from their involvement in expeditions and fieldwork at the RGS Explore Weekend.
Is RGS Explore for me?
The RGS Explore Weekend brings together a diverse community united by a belief in geographical exploration as a force for good. Find out what to expect from being part of this unique gathering.
What do RGS Explore attendees say?
In this collection of video testimonials, speakers, participants, and exhibitors share what makes attending the RGS Explore Weekend a life-changing experience.
Frequently asked questions
Attending the RGS Explore Weekend in London can seem a major commitment. We respond in detail to commonly-voiced questions and concerns.